AUBURN, Alabama -- Georgia's offense has had to carry a heavy load this season.

Asked to outscore teams and at times carry the SEC's 9th-ranked scoring defense, the offense has been constantly beset by injuries to the running back and wide receiver positions.

With Keith Marshall, the other half of the Bulldogs' expected 1-2 punch, out for the season, the load has fallen heavily on the shoulders of the star running back who emerged as a freshman as one of the SEC's best backs.

Strengths: Gurley is a big, powerful player who can break tackles and move the pile in short-yardage situations, but what makes the sophomore running back special is his ability to make the big play. Gurley has impressive top-end speed and broken-field running ability, and he's a threat to turn a short gain into a touchdown at any moment. With that kind of inside-outside package, Gurley's a complete back, a player who can make plays both on the run and in the passing game.

Weaknesses: Gurley has few weaknesses, but the injury bug that has settled over Georgia's offense all season long has hit Gurley hard. He missed four games with a balky right ankle, an injury that hasn't fully healed despite his return against Florida and Appalachian State. When that ankle's tender, Gurley's conditioning and his trademark breakaway speed have taken a hit, although he has been getting healthier with each passing week.